Summary
Albert is a 3rd-year PhD student in Synthetic Biology in the Department of Bioengineering.
In his PhD, Albert is investigating the trade-offs between function and fitness in nitrogen-fixing plant-associated bacteria, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality and effectiveness of current nitrogen biofertilisers.
Albert's research is funded by a Transition to Zero Pollution scholarship, and is aligned with the Science and Solutions for a Changing Planet DTP (SSCP DTP) run by the Grantham Institute.
He holds a First Class degree in Biotechnology from the University of Barcelona, Spain, and an MRes in Systems and Synthetic Biology from Imperial College. Before embarking on doctoral research, Albert did a two-year stint as Research Assistant in the Department of Bioengineering, working on a "blue skies" research project combining synthetic biology, optogenetics and 3D printing. During his time as RA, Albert wrote a research proposal on synthetic biology and biofertilisers that would later on become his PhD project.
As part of his doctoral training, Albert has participated in a number of science communication and public engagement events, including the Great Exhibition Road Festival.